Asbestos is a mineral that has been exposed to extreme pressure and has undergone physical and chemical change.  This is a metamorphic rock, meaning it has changed its form, contains water and magnesium (from seawater), and silicate – a compound found in the earth’s crust.  Asbestos was formed millions of years ago.  Heat, pressure, and chemical activity impacted on the physical and chemical characteristics of pre-existing rocks.  If observed closely, asbestos has thread-like filaments hence it is flexible. Unlike other minerals, it does not consist of tightly bound crystals. 

What are the uses of asbestos in industry?
Asbestos is fire-resistant and has been used as a component in fire-proofing materials. It is used in the construction and other related industries.

What are the dangers of asbestos?
The discovery that asbestos has a direct link to mesothelioma cancer was established just before the turn of the century.  Common symptoms are chest wall pain, fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, anemia, blood in sputum, as well as wheezing, coughing, and hoarseness.  In severe cases, a person may develop tumor masses or his lungs may collapse.  The disease may spread to the other parts of the body.  In severe cases, blood clots will build up in the veins or lungs, body organs may bleed, jaundice will develop, blood sugar levels will lower, and severe ascitis may be developed.    The risk of acquiring mesothelioma cancer is high.  Other diseases are asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural diseases.

What is mesothelioma cancer?
This is a ravaging disease that affects the tissues that hold the internal organs.  It usually occurs in the abdominal cavity and affects the lungs.  People also develop tumors as a consequence of this cancer.  This type of cancer develops after 15-25 years after exposure to asbestos.  Once diagnosed, it is fatal.  The survival rate of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months.

How can asbestos be detected?
The deadly asbestos fibers are invisible to the human eye.  It cannot be smelled or tasted.  The fibers are airborne and fibers can be inhaled or swallowed.  The damage is permanent and irreversible.  

What are the areas in US with high asbestos exposure?  

Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Beltsville, Maryland; Dearborn, Michigan; Easthampton, Massachusetts; Trenton, Edgewater, New Jersey; Newcastle and Ellwood City, Pasadena;  Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii;  Marysville, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Newark, New Orleans and Los Angeles, Santa Ana, California; Minot, North Dakota; Omaha, Nebraska; Portland, Oregon; St. Louis , Missouri; Tampa, Florida; Weedsport, New York; West Chicago, Illinois; Wilder, Kentucky; Spokane, Washington.
 
Asbestos mining is also done in Europe, Australia, South Africa Canada and United Kingdom.

How many individuals have been exposed to asbestos?

Records indicate there have been 730,000 individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and some 8,400 companies have been sued.  The sheer bulk of litigation has caused the defendants and insurers to spend 70 billion dollars.

Who can file an asbestos lawsuit?

An asbestos lawsuit can be filed by a family member with a relative who has developed mesothelioma and has already passed away. A suit can also be filed by a person has unwittingly developed the disease through a close contact with a person exposed to the asbestos.

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